The JVM (Java Virtual Machine) splits the memory into two sections: stack memory and heap memory. Let’s find out some major differences between stack and heap memory in java.
What is Stack Memory in Java?
In java, a stack is a memory that comprises local variables, reference variables and methods. This memory is assembled when a thread is created. Stack memory always prefers the famous LIFO (Last-In-First-Out) order.
What is Heap Memory in Java?
In java, a heap is part of memory that comprises objects and reference variables. Whenever we create objects, it occupies the place in the heap memory; on the other hand, the reference of that object forms in the stack. Like stack, heap does not follow any LIFO order.
Difference between Stack and Heap Memory in Java
| S.No. | Stack Memory in Java | Heap Memory in Java |
| 1. | Stack follows the LIFO order. | Heap does not follow any order because here, the pattern of memory allocation is not fixed. |
| 2. | It stores the entities that have a short life, like variables and methods. | Heap stores entities like objects. |
| 3. | It is not flexible as we cannot make any changes once the memory allocation is done. | It is flexible as we can make changes here even after the allocation of memory. |
| 4. | It is faster than heap in terms of allocation and deallocation. | It is slower than stack in terms of allocation and deallocation. |
| 5. | The size of stack memory is small. | The size of heap memory is large. |
| 6. | Through the JVM option -Xss, we can improve the size of a stack. | Through the JVM options -Xmx and -Xms, we can change the size of a stack. |
| 7. | It is affordable. | It is affordable as compared to the stack. |
| 8. | The implementation part is easy here. | The implementation part is tough here. |
| 9. | In stack, the memory allotment is continuous. | In heap, the memory allotment is random. |
| 10. | The allocation and deallocation are automatically performed by the compiler. | Here the allocation and deallocation are done manually. |
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